By Binia Elizabeth

The newly appointed governor of Upper Nile state, Gen. James Koang Chuol, has suspended the state minister of finance and planning, Pal Deng Kerweth.

This was confirmed by the information minister James Pasha who said that the suspension was issued on yesterday (on Friday) without further details

Pal Deng is a member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, who is currently under house arrest in Juba.

This suspension (of Pal Deng) has come amidst the ongoing tensions within South Sudan’s unity government, formed under the 2018 peace deal between President Salva Kiir and Riak Machar. The agreement established power-sharing arrangements at both national and state levels.

The governor has issued a gubernatorial order suspending the state minister of finance, planning and investment until further notice.”

The spokesperson of the state governor said that the governor provided less details and reasons for suspending the minister of finance and planning. He further added that no individual had yet been appointed to act in Pal Deng’s place.

Massive membership changes have occurred within the opposition outfit SPLM-IO in recent months, as some defect while others are sacked and replaced.

On Thursday, eight senior members of the SPLM-IO in Western Equatorian State defected to the SPLM-IG. The high-profile defections, which included key government officials, took place at the state SPLM Secretariat in Yambio and were witnessed by Acting Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, who also serves as the State SPLM Chairperson.

Among those switching allegiance are Nzara County Commissioner Lino Fataki, Yambio Mayor John Mirihewari Singira a long-time opposition loyalist—and Deputy Commissioner of the State Revenue Authority, Torosa Elias Toro, who had defected from SPLM-IG to SPLM-IO two years ago, citing corruption within the ruling party.

The SPLM-IO leadership in the state could not immediately be reached for comment.